Experience Summary
Teaching is what I’ve been doing my whole life. In every position I’ve held, there has been an opportunity for me to teach or train. My first job post baccalaureate was Mental Health Worker for Caritas Peace. There, I frequently assisted in the JCPS classroom as a teaching assistant. I’ve conducted religious training workshops through university campus ministry and continue to do this at my church. I continue to sharpen my skills by tutoring for Club Z Tutoring and grading state tests for Kelly Services as well as attending professional development courses in Corrective Reading, Classroom Management and technology in the classroom. I’ve reflected upon my teaching practices and how to become more effective.
The following are ways I have grown in teaching through the teaching standards even as an ECE Instructional Assistant. I have introduced new ideas to improve academic success of students. I have also demonstrated leadership, collegiality and sincere concern for excellence (Standard 3.1, 3.4, 10.1). My ability to increase reading scores were measured by Renaissance Learning program achieving remarkable success with students who entered the school at kindergarten reading level increasing their reading scores up to 5 reading levels within a school year (Standard 1.3,1.5). I am able to motivate reluctant students to set reading goals and follow through with them (Standard 2.2, 2.3, 2.2, 4.5). I have assessed student levels and adjusted curriculum to monitor progress to meet individual needs in corrective reading and provided supplemental aids designing courses to address student needs (Standard 2.4, 2.5, 3.3, 4.1, 4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.5.5.6, 6.1, 6.2, 6.3, 6.4, 6.5). I have developed authentic rapport with students (Standard 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5). I have assisted English/Language Arts teacher with guiding students in their writing portfolios, administering student surveys for IEP transitional planning and progress monitoring notes for treatment team staff (Standard 5.4, 5.5, 5.6, 7.1, 7.2). I have communicated knowledge of “best practices” to colleagues through presentation skills for staff training (Standard 8.1, 8.2, 8.3, 8.4, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4).
My success has come through my flexibility to adapt. I’ve accepted feedback and criticism and implemented new teaching practices as recommended by administration and mentor teachers. I’ve collaborated with team members for best teaching practices (Standard 7.3, 9.2). My professional growth plan focuses on Kentucky Teaching Standards 4 and 5 for improvement. I continue to take what I’ve learned through all these experiences and grow (Standard 9.1, 9.3, 9.4). In May 2012, I received my Masters in Special Education (LBD) diploma. I look forward to continuing to change lives to provide my students skills for success through teaching and improving my craft by earning my certification.